Cumberland Cross (flex band) Carl Strommen

This version of Cumberland Cross by Carl Strommen is part of our Alfred FLEX offerings and is designed with maximum flexibility for use by any mix of instruments---wind, strings, and percussion, including like- or mixed-ensembles with as few as 5 players. The suggested instrumentation and a customizable Teacher Map will help you plan out how to best assign parts to suit your ensemble's needs. It also comes with supplemental parts for maximum flexibility. With the purchase of this piece, permission is granted to photocopy the parts as needed for your ensemble. A percussion accompaniment track is also available as a free download. String parts have been carefully edited with extra fingerings and appropriate bowings to support students in mixed ensembles playing in less familiar keys.

Your band will sound great with Carl Strommen's classic original piece. Cumberland Cross explores the rich American folk style in two sections. The first has broad, moving harmonies under a Shenandoah-like melody, and the second a lively dance reminiscent of Copland. It is not too difficult, yet very impressive!